The controversy over remarks made by Senator Rick Santorum has now led New York Congressman Jerrold Nadler to accuse the Catholic Church of bigotry.

Last night on the Fox News Channel show, “Hannity and Colmes,” Nadler said Santorum believes that homosexual acts are a problem. To which Hannity said, “The acts. By the way that’s the Catholic Church’s position.” Nadler: “Well, they’re entitled to it.” Hannity: “Are they bigoted?” Nadler: “I don’t agree with their position.” Hannity: “Are they bigoted?” Nadler: “I think that’s a bigoted position.” Hannity: “You think Catholics are bigoted?” Nadler: “I didn’t say Catholics are bigoted.” Hannity: That’s exactly what you’re saying.” Nadler: “No. I don’t think Catholics are bigoted. I think that that’s—that position is a discriminatory position.”

Catholic League president William Donohue commented as follows:

“Congressman Jerrold Nadler should apologize to Catholics immediately. No one is fooled by his little dance that Catholics are not bigoted—it’s just that their religion is. To be a practicing Catholic is to accept the Church’s teachings on homosexuality, as well as slavery, genocide, abortion and many other issues, and there is nothing bigoted about it.

“The Catholic Church believes, as does Senator Rick Santorum, that human beings possess equal dignity, independent of race, religion, ethnicity, national origin, class, sex, sexual orientation and the like. The Catholic Church also believes that some behaviors are inherently sinful, among them fornication, adultery and homosexuality. To brand that position as bigoted is to insult Catholics everywhere. It is also the tactic of a bully who seeks to silence a great institution that represents one-quarter of the American population.

“Unlike some Democrats, who are out to destroy Rick Santorum, we are not looking for Nadler’s head. What we want is an apology.”